Shocking toll from solar facility pales, however, compared to estimated 100,000 bird deaths from wind turbines in CA

By Miriam Raftery

November 25, 2013 (California) – Desert solar projects have been touted as environmentally friendly.  But now disturbing evidence has emerged that these projects are incinerating birds flying overhead.Two months ago,  34 birds were found dead or injured at Ivanpah Solar (photo, left, by Tom Budlong) owned by BrightSource Energy in  San Bernardino County, California. Almost half had singed feathers and some had nothing left but spines where feathers melted from  reflected beams of sunlight, according to a report  in The Desert Sun.

The toll was even worse in October, when 52 dead birds were found at the site, 17 with scorched feathers (see photo, below right)  Ivanpah, still in testing phase, is the world's largest solar facility -- but it's not the only one frying birds. Another 19 birds were found dead at another project, Desert Sunlight, also in California.  More such facilities are planned, incdluing Palen’s proposed project in the Coachella Valley that would be located near two wildlife refuges where migrating birds stop in the Pacific Flyway.

By  Grey Feathers

November 28, 2013 (Santee) – The second annual Waddle and Trot 5K run began and ended at the Pathways Community Church, the sponsors of the event.  Proceeds will be evenly split between the Santee Santas and the Santee Food Bank.  This was a certified 5K run on a fast and nearly flat course around Santee Lakes.  The family-friendly event attracted serious runners to casual walkers on a sunny beautiful Thanksgiving morning.

On the starting-line were contestants with team shirts and bright-colored running-shoes.  In the middle of the crowd were great grandfathers, teenagers, parents with infants and children.  Near the back were dozens of strollers with precious cargo along for the ride. 

This was my first 5K run ever and I found myself locked in an epic battle for last place.

November 28, 2013 (San Diego) – Mayoral candidates and San Diego City Councilmembers David Alvarez and Kevin Faulconer announced a scheduling agreement for debates in the special runoff election campaign.

The agreement came after more than 30 debates and forums were scheduled in the eight-week primary election ending November 19, 2013. The top two finishers said they’ve agreed to participate in six debates to be held after the New Year.

November 28, 2013 (Ramona) – Two of East County’s more unusual holiday traditions will take place this Saturday in Ramona.   The public is invited to bring new toys, clothes, gift cards, household items or donations  to the Holiday House Motorcycle Run, which helps the Ambassadors Foundation benefit children, senior citizens, military members and animals.  Later , the Ramona Trails Association and San Vicente Saddle Club will hold a Turkey Trot for outdoor enthusiasts, with a potluck lunch at Hellenback winery.

November 28, 2013 (Lakeside) – While your east coast relatives are shivering in snowstorms, you can savor the warmth of our California sunshine by enjoying the great outdoors over the holiday season.  Thankfully,  Lake Jennings will be open throughout the Thanksgiving weekend, including Thanksgiving Day. Heads up, students! The lake will also be open during winter break, closing only on Christmas Day, December 25.

Lake Jennings is a popular site for camping, fishing, hiking and picnicking. The campground is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.  Camping reservations can be made online at www.lakejennings.org.  Now,  the lake is also available for rental for special events.

November 28, 2013 (El Cajon) – Just in time for Thanksgiving, El Cajon resident Jacque Bradfute and her 6-year-old stepdaughter, Haley, have new holiday decorations  to replace a stolen display. The heartwarming donations came from a secret Santa with help from El Cajon residents Deena While and Shirley Johnson.

On Monday,  just after putting up holiday décor including an inflatable Santa, Bradfute heard a commotion and came out to find everything missing, like a scene straight out of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

November 27, 2013 (Jamul) -- An active duty Navy man was killed November 17 when his motorcycle struck a stopped motorhome on westbound Otay Lakes Road east of mile marker 8 in Jamul. 

November 27, 2013 (Alpine) – The body of a missing 81-year-old Los Angeles woman was found Tuesday in the 600 block of Alpine Heights Road near Avenida del Cielo in Alpine.  Her name has not been released by authorities, however the Los Angeles Times reports that her son, 53, has been arrested in Los Angeles County and booked on suspicion of murder.

November 27, 2013 (El Cajon) – The 7^th annual Jingle Paws Walk for Pets will be held on December 7 at Wells Park in El Cajon. 

This popular holiday event also features Santa’s Playground complete with games for dogs and their owners, an agility course for your pet.  New this year -- a lure course for dogs that love to run is available for an additional fee.

Santa’s Village features vendors with pet products, photos with Santa, refreshments and a silent auction. Plus guests can meet adoptable pets from local rescue organizations. 

November 27, 2013 (San Diego) – The works of some of San Diego County’s most talented and promising landscape artists will be on exhibit in a juried art show sponsored by the California Art Club (CAC) and hosted by the Olaf Wieghorst Museum. Landscapes of the West opened October 8 and runs through January 11, 2014, at the museum’s downtown El Cajon location at 131 Rea Avenue. El Cajon’s Olaf Wieghorst Museum is dedicated to preserving America’s western heritage. It houses the works of Olaf Wieghorst, an internationally recognized western artist whose paintings have been praised and acquired by royalty, presidents and celebrities. Born in Denmark, the self-taught artist immigrated to the United States and eventually settled in El Cajon. His restored ranch house is a local landmark and sits on museum property.

November 27, 2013 (San Diego) – The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) acted to make pricing of food sold from mobile food trucks more business and customer-friendly. The Board Members’ unanimous vote at their November 19, 2013 meeting will change a regulation to presume that sales tax is included in the listed price of the food.

“For years I’ve worked with food truck owners in my district to help them navigate California’s complex sales tax laws,” said Michelle Steel, Vice Chair of the Board. “I proposed this regulation to Board staff as a way to make life easier for these small-business owners. I am grateful that my colleagues unanimously supported this taxpayer-friendly change.”

November 27, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Viejas Casino & Resort officially opened their new 4-story parking structure on Friday, with a Native American Blessing and traditional Birdsongs.

After the ribbon was cut and the parking structure opened to the public, KUSI’s David Davis was among those who drove a brand new Porsche into the parking structure.

November 27, 2013 (San Diego) – Greg Dunne, best known to our readers as our “Bird Talk” columnist, sent us these photos and review comments on the Pearl Jam concert at San Diego State University.

“The show had everything. All the great songs to name a few: Even Flow, Black, Just Breathe, a Who song Baba O'Riley (We all know as Teenage Waste Land). A great rendition of Star-Spangled Banner by lead guitarist Mike McCready. Was it as good as the classic by Jimi Hendrix? Dare I say yes?” he wrote, adding that while “not as iconic as the great Jimi's rendition,” the concert was “a love fest between Pearl Jam and the fans. The audience knew just when to jump in and sing along with Eddie.”

Astronomy experts say comet could be among brightest ever observed--and it may disintegrate as it draws near sun

By Don Harrison

Photo: NASA

November 26, 2013 (El Cajon) – As if Thanksgiving and the first day of Chanukah falling on the same day were not coincidence enough, the comet ISON will be at its closest point to the sun—about 750,000 miles away-- on that day, Thursday, Nov. 28th.

Grossmont College Astronomy Prof. Ross Cohen says for people who don’t have the proper equipment for comet watching,  at the time of its closest approach to the sun, it is safest to turn to the Internet or to television to view images from satellites that will be tracking the comet from various vantage points in space. 

By Jordan Schaffner

Photo: USaid.gov

November 26, 2013 (San Diego)--Many Filipinos live and work in San Diego County.  Some of them have relatives back home in the Philippines who have been affected by the tragic typhoon Haiyan (which translates in English as typhoon Yolanda)  that hit a few weeks ago.

In an interview with East County Magazine, Rex Mortensen, a local recruiter with American Solar Direct, said he has several dozen family members in the hard-hit city of Tacloban, where he was born and raised until age 8. 

“All but one of my family members have been found," he said, but added that "odds are not good” due to current conditions; all of their homes have been destroyed and their belongings are gone. “They are hungry, thirsty, severely injured and with only the clothes on their backs, are trekking up to Manila to relocate and live permanently with our aid.”